Theory • Musicianship • Songwriting Tuition

Theory • Musicianship Songwriting Tuition

at Waltons New School of Music

‘Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the secret places of the soul.’ – Plato

This course [Songwriting Workshop] gave me great confidence in songwriting, and to have the guidance of a professional songwriter was so helpful. The course helped me both lyrically and musically to realise my songwriting potential, and I am now constantly writing new material.

A. Bradley

The instructor is extremely knowledgeable but also patient and approachable, highly recommended. [Music Fundamentals]

P. Bradley

I would absolutely recommend the Music Fundamentals course to anyone who is interested in beginning on the road to understanding written music.

J.M. Burr

Eoin's easy manner gave me the courage to have a go even if I wasn't getting things right. By my own reckoning I have made huge progress since I began the course [Sight Singing Made Easy].

The course [Sight Singing Made Easy] is challenging [and] great fun. The teacher is very helpful without being patronising, and the material progresses quickly.

N. Casey

This course [Music Fundamentals] is perfect for anyone with an interest in music. It starts with the very basics of theory and the information is made easy to understand. There is a good atmosphere in the class, being with people who share your passion for music.

I. Colgan

[A] a very experienced teacher who had great suggestions for improving my songwriting. I love her energy, enthusiasm and kind nature. She went above and beyond to assist the whole class to improve their work. I really enjoyed and benefited a lot from this class. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]

D. Connolly

A great educational experience and very friendly atmosphere. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]

T. Cronin

An excellent introduction to sight singing for beginners – a lot simpler than I thought it would be! [Sight Singing Made Easy]

S. Delaney

I learned so much about the structure of songs and the business of songwriting. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]

Sight singing is a skill that I thought was beyond me, but when it was broken down and explained well by an excellent teacher, and then practiced of course [Sight Singing Made Easy], it’s amazing how quickly it became second nature!

R. Fitzpatrick

Kieran's relaxed way of teaching makes you feel at home on the course [Songwriting Workshop] and gives you the confidence to perform in front of your fellow classmates. I can't believe I stood up in front of a room full of people and performed my own songs! It was an amazing experience.

F. Hannon

I liked the personal approach, ensuring you enjoy the subject. You also get to meet other students, and it's a side comfort to know they are travelling the same, sometimes difficult, road as you. Friendships can be formed too. [Music Fundamentals]

P. Kelly

I finished four songs and found my melodic voice, which I thought was impossible as I don't play an instrument. I'd like to do a more advanced class! [Songwriting Workshop]

S. Kelly

Creativity at its best! [Songwriting Workshop]

M. Kerrigan

An excellent teacher with so much to give. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]

J. Lynch

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending The Art & Craft of Songwriting Workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, and it completely exceeded any expectations that I had. The teacher’s experience and encouragement meant that we each left more confident in ourselves and in our abilities to create music.

Y. Mullany

Take that chance – it is never too late. From the day I signed up for the [Songwriting Workshop] course to the last session the teacher and staff were so helpful and friendly. Just go for it!

S. Toner

I came with the object of turning ideas into songs. I left with a complete song from an idea I had for years. Results! [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]

The development of a complete musician requires far more than simply learning to play an instrument or sing. Tuition in musicianship and theory is recommended for students of all ages, whether they are studying classical, traditional, jazz, popular or world music instruments, and essential for anyone planning to take grade examinations past intermediate level.

Music Fundamentals I & II introduce students to the fundamentals of reading and writing music, as well as to elementary musical grammar, and are recommended for anyone beginning instrumental tuition at the New School.

Designed especially for voice/singing students and choristers, Sight Singing Made Easy allows students to develop simultaneously their music reading skills and practical sight singing.

We offer a Songwriting Workshop during the school year and The Art & Craft of Songwriting workshop during the summer. The workshops are designed to guide students through the entire songwriting process, integrating the craft’s many skills into a seamless artistic whole.

This course is perfect for anyone with an interest in music. It starts with the very basics of theory and the information is made easy to understand. There is a good atmosphere in the class, being with people who share your passion for music.’ [Music Fundamentals] – I. Colgan

‘Sight singing is a skill that I thought was beyond me, but when it was broken down and explained well by an excellent teacher, and then practiced of course, it’s amazing how quickly it became second nature!’ [Sight Singing Made Easy] – R. Fitzpatrick

‘This course gave me great confidence in songwriting, and to have the guidance of a professional songwriter was so helpful. The course helped me both lyrically and musically to realise my songwriting potential, and I am now constantly writing new material.’ [Songwriting Workshop] – A. Bradley

‘Melanie O’Reilly is a very experienced teacher and had great suggestions for improving my songwriting. I love her energy, enthusiasm and kind nature. She went above and beyond to assist the whole class to improve their work. I really enjoyed and benefited a lot from this class.’ [The Art & Craft of Songwriting] – D. Connolly

Have you studied – or are you studying – theory, musicianship or songwriting at the New School? We would appreciate it if you could take a few moments to give us your feedback in a brief online questionnaire about your experience here.

This prize is awarded for the most creative original composition or song for solo instrument, voice or ensemble, performed by the composer or songwriter alone or with ensemble for our annual Scholarship Competition in late May / early June.